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Wealth Effects or Economic Barometer: Why Do House Prices Matter for Psychological Health?

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  • Anita Ratcliffe

    (Department of Economics, The University of Sheffield)

Abstract

This paper investigates whether house prices are linked to mental health outcomes, and whether this association arises through wealth effects or whether third factors such as area amenities or economic conditions drive both house prices and psychological health. These alternative explanations have contrasting implications for the effect of house prices on the well-being of homeowners and non-homeowners, which are exploited in the empirical analysis. I document a positive association between house prices and the mental health of homeowners and non-homeowners, which is not consistent with wealth effects. Further analysis indicates that house prices matter via a role as an economic barometer.

Suggested Citation

  • Anita Ratcliffe, 2012. "Wealth Effects or Economic Barometer: Why Do House Prices Matter for Psychological Health?," Working Papers 2012014, The University of Sheffield, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:shf:wpaper:2012014
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    File URL: http://www.shef.ac.uk/economics/research/serps/articles/2012_014.html
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    Cited by:

    1. Hans van Kippersluis & Titus J. Galama, 2013. "Why the Rich drink more but smoke less: The Impact of Wealth on Health Behaviors," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 13-035/V, Tinbergen Institute.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Psychological health; house prices; wealth; economic conditions;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I1 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health
    • D12 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis

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